Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Prairie Wind by Maxine Isackson

Widowed at nineteen, Leah Worth is challenged with being 'boss lady' on the Diamond C, a large cattle ranch in the Nebraska Sandhills. Faced with motherhood without the husband she so deeply loved, while contending with the dangers and entanglements of the widespread ranch community, she is forced to go through the motions of living despite her broken heart.

When tall, broad-shouldered Louis Drake comes into her life, sharing a similar view on romance and remarriage, they become close friends. They face the dangerous challenges that confront first one and then the other. During the process, Leah discovers while going through the 'motions', she has been living all along, and a rich past can lead to a new love and an amazing future.

Life seems over almost before it started. Ty Worth, Leah’s husband is dead and she, not yet twenty years old and pregnant has the Diamond C ranch to run.

Her question of, "Why did God do this to me?" is quickly set in perspective by her older friend Maude Henderson. She tells Leah that God did not do this, life did and reminds her that Leah’s much-loved Simon had taught her to “…just face what you have to do, then do it”. She adds that, in time, Leah can learn to live with the pain—she knows from experience.

Many men are interested in the widow Leah Worth, some for herself and others for her profitable ranch. Then, there are the men on the ranch that love and respect her for who she is. They see to it that the ranch continues to operate at a profit. As “strays” show up needing a place to stay, they too soon give allegiance to her.

The love story is subtly woven into the fabric of the tale. It becomes bolder in design as the story progresses—perfect for the reader to see Leah’s emergence from grief to awareness of life and then to a pulsating love for life with a mate that understands, admires, and loves her completely.

With beautiful writing, Maxine Isackson creates a community in the Nebraska Sand Hills during the late 1800’s that augments the characters who interact with Leah to make a heartfelt story, while revealing the depth and compassion of Leah as she offers shelter, aid, and friendship to those in need. Ms. Isackson also shows how Leah, even-handedly, deals with the new sheriff, the botanist who boards in the bunkhouse, and with the old beaus that once again seek her favor. Very appealing and concise writing, make Prairie Wind a story that grips the reader’s attention.

RATING EXPLANATION:

1 Star— At this time, we at LASR do not post these reviews. If the book was boring, badly edited, poorly written, had little or no plot, stilted dialogue, and/or unsympathetic characters, we will decline the review.

2 Stars— Not wonderful, but tolerable. There may be some minor editing glitches but not enough to stop you reading. Not a wall-banger, but nothing you'd re-read. This is a book you would borrow from the library - not buy - and never check out again.

3 Stars— Good. Mostly enjoyable. You made it through and didn't consider it a waste of time or money. The story was strong enough or the conflict tight enough, so even when the book faltered, it was able to draw you back in and keep you. There's a chance you'll recommend it to a friend, but it wouldn't go on your keeper shelf.

4 Stars— Very Good. You're glad you were the one who got to review the book. You would probably buy it and would definitely recommend it to your friends. You liked the characters and the plot. The writing style was good and the editing clean.

5 Stars— Great! You would definitely buy this book. You would definitely recommend it to your friends. You really loved the characters and the plot and would consider looking for this authors back list or making her an autobuy. The writing and editing were superb.

LASR Best Book - For a book or story that is truly exceptional. You think about it when you're not reading it. You wonder what happens to the characters when you finish. You would absolutely buy everything else this author had to offer. The highest praise - and reserved for only a few.

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